⚜️ Keywords ⚜️

Y/n -> your name
E/c -> eyes colour

🔱

《AAAAAAAH!!!》

The scream frightened everyone present and you suddenly turned in the direction of Brûlée.

You stood with the spoon in your mouth. She could be really unlovable when she screamed like that...

In front of a colorful cup of ice cream, you were enjoying that sunny afternoon in complete tranquility with your younger sisters-in-law...or rather, it was like that until you heard her scream at the top of the lungs.

《Damn it Brûlée-san, what's wrong with you?!》  One of them, Charlotte Joconde, grumbled; even though she was tiny, she could be really threatening and didn't hesitate to talk to her older sister with such a tone.

《True, do you know what time it is? If Mama wakes up, we're all finished...》  Myukuru sighed; now she had a moment of peace, she absolutely didn't want to apologize for interrupting her mother's nap.

《Shut up now, what I'm about to tell you is going to be much more shocking than that!!》  Brûlée interrupted the discontents as you looked at her questioningly. In fact, she was so agitated that she could barely control the breathing.

《Tell us what it is.》  You concluded by retrieving the spoon between your fingers.

《...》

《H-he will become the next Emperor!!》  She suddenly blurted out.

You and the girls remained silent. At this rate, that delicious ice cream would eventually melt.

《Mmm, can you explain it better?》  Pudding raised an eyebrow, but unlike the others she seemed quite interested in the subject.

《Are you all deaf?? Of course I'm talking about big bro!!》

There was only one brother to whom Brûlée addressed in that way. This time, the reaction of all of you was only one of dismay when you realized it was your husband.

《W-who told you such a thing? Are you really sure?》  The brunette girl next to you didn't believe so much in her sister's revelation.

《At 100%! Either way, it won't take long for Mama to confirm personally.》  Brûlée explained  《And I overheard a secret conversation...I have no doubt it's true!》

You were the only one who blinked when she said that. What secret conversation? Was Katakuri there too? If so, there was nothing to do but wait.

Some thoughts flew over your mind. Big Mom didn't seem like the kind of woman to give up her position so easily, but it was also true that she needed an heir and that of all her sons and daughters Charlotte Katakuri was the best choice.

And what happened to Big Mom? You doubted that she would be left without any power...

《Oh, but if so then Y/n will become an empress!》  Pudding's eyes sparkled at the idea of ​​an imperial rank.  《Are you not happy?》

《Uhm I don't mind, but don't you think you're a bit too hasty? It's not yet an official thing, after all...》  You said with an uncertain look. The girls looked at you without saying anything, until Brûlée spoke again.

《But if onii-chan becomes emperor, your baby will inherit it all!!》

Another deep silence filled the room, but with something different; some faces seemed somewhat surprised by the older sister's statement, although it was just a possibility.

But that wasn't the most important thing to worry about. According to the doctor, it was only a couple of months before the baby was born and so the first kicks had begun; you called Katakuri when he started to move inside you, who immediately rushed...he sighed for a long time noticing that it was nothing serious and after seeing your big smile.
You had him approach and removed the glove to rest his palm on your belly.

《Do you hear it? It's his heartbeat.》  You said with eyes full of emotion. Katakuri chuckled behind the scarf.

《Yes, loud and clear.》  He lowered himself further and could hear it even better with his ear.  《A very cheerful child.》

Your cheeks turned rosy as you two imagined the near future...in remembering this moment together, he didn't tell you anything about that was happening now inside the sitting room.

Charlotte Panna, the girl who sat next to Joconde and definitely taller than her, observed the situation with a passing air as she turned the tea in the cup; to break the sudden silence, she noisily chewed a cookie from the tray on a low, circular table in the center ignoring her sister's glare.

《I think I'll go for a swim soon.》  You said changing the subject.  《But I won't be alone, Praline assured me that she will be there.》

《Oh really? I haven't seen her in a long time! I didn't know you became friends.》  Brûlée was surprised to hear that her sister, who had gone away from the family after getting married, was in contact with you; after all, they couldn't have met her if not on the mainland and Praline hadn't been so willing to do that, especially after she had finally gotten rid of her tyrannical mother...that was why she was happy to hear it now.

《I'm sure you'll have no problem floating with that big baby bump you have!》  Pudding hit her shoulder against yours causing you to stagger on the other side.

《At this rate, you'll look more and more like Flampe-chan, hahaha!》

After that, they all burst into resounding laughter; you tried to hold it back...how could she compare you to that hateful balloon?!

You took another bite of your ice cream and it tasted ridiculously bitter.

- - -

The day proceeded in a wonderful way and perfect for taking a leap into the blue. For a pregnant woman, swimming could be a good activity before childbirth...besides, you wouldn't be alone.

During your stay on Whole Cake Island, you had discovered some hidden paradises including breathtaking and peaceful beaches; the water was clear and shallow and often warm currents reached the bay. Unfortunately, you didn't have the chance to go with Katakuri yet but you didn't give up so easily...anyway, you decided to spend that afternoon with your sister-in-law after a long time.

《I didn't think it grew up so much...time goes by really fast, eh!》  Praline exclaimed when she came out of the water to sit on a large rock; of course, you hadn't forgotten her eight meters of height...

Since it was spring, you wore a light and loose suit; unlike her, you sat on the sand, lulled by the small waves that reached the shore. Thankfully, the water wasn't as cold as you thought.

《The doctor thinks it will be in June. Very little is missing and with each passing day I feel more agitated...I think I'm a little scared.》

You sighed softly. You didn't want to point it out, especially in front of others, but you couldn't deny it was a whole new thing for you; Praline listened to you as she waved her mermaid tail on the surface of the water...probably, her reaction would have been the same if it found out she would have become a mother soon.

《Anyway, how did you know about my pregnancy?》  You asked with some curiosity. If it wasn't wrong, she wasn't talking much with the other family members.

《Oh my twin sister Prim told me. Apparently, there's no talk of anything other than the future child of Katakuri!!》  The giant woman began to laugh at how ridiculous her former family and mother were.  《You better keep Linlin away from him, if you don't want him to become a puppet in her hands...》

She was right, after all. There was no doubt that your son, or your daughter, could become a new member of Big Mom's crew, but the idea that old hag could control the life of your baby didn't like it at all.
Meanwhile, you began to move your arms and legs into the higher water.

《Katakuri is loyal to his mother and I respect her for that, but I won't let her do as she wants again...》  You said firmly. At that moment, you were hoping that Brûlée's words were true but decided not to talk to Praline about it.

《Well, all I can do is wish you good luck, or you will be forced to find another husband!》  This time, her sarcastic joke didn't catch on with you.

《Absolutely not! I really love Katakuri.》  Then, you approached her rock by leaning on it.  《Uff, I hope your husband isn't too desperate with you...》

《Sha ah ah, he loves me too much to do that!》  You didn't know why but you had strong doubts.  《Hey, are you able to swim all the way over there?》

Praline pointed to you somewhere in front of you that corresponded to the other end of the small bay. It wasn't much and the giant mermaid got tired of standing there doing nothing.

《Maybe it's better I don't overdo it. I'll stay here to enjoy the view.》  You finished with a smile.

While Praline swam around, you dived underwater; you hadn't forgotten how wonderful the feeling was and in that absolute silence you could better perceive the noises inside you.

《Eeeh, who knows if I'll be able to make you learn this too...》  You thought about it while massaging your big belly.

- - -

A few hours passed and your brothers-in-law warned you they would have a family reunion with their mother soon; of course, you had to be there too.

《Pss, do you think it will be what Brûlée-san told us earlier?》  Pudding spoke in your ear so as not to be heard by the others.

《It's almost dinner time and if it's not one of her banquets it will certainly be something important, Pudding.》

You were slightly irritated. Not only you wanted to rest at that hour, but you were forced to hear one of her boisterous speeches, as if your unlikely comment could change the fate of the evening.
Anyway, you walked slowly towards the most important room of the building, which you knew perfectly well; the most important members of the family were gathered there and, to your surprise, you didn't see Katakuri.

《Where will he be?》  You asked yourself turning your head here and there.

However, when he finally appeared he was with Big Mom.

《MAMAMAMA, NOW YOU MAY BE WONDERING WHY YOU ARE ALL HERE...》  Her high-pitched, crow-like voice boomed first.

Some murmurs began to advance into the room as your heart pounded...wasn't that too obvious??
You stared for a long time at Katakuri's blank gaze and, like the others, was looking at his mother in silence and with the arms crossed. He didn't like all this staging and wanted it to be over immediately.

But then, his red eyes began to look around; he knew you were there and was thinking only about how to get out of that damn place with you.

There was an incomprehensible silence...something was wrong, you thought. Perhaps, Big Mom had no intention of making any such announcement.

The empress smiled amusedly as her beloved sons and daughters were struggling to understand what was going on. They were completely at her mercy and she liked that very much, until she found your little figure, not very far from her.

Your expression was thoughtful but surprisingly composed...she expected nothing less from you and her mood had improved a lot when she learned that you were pregnant with Katakuri's baby.
However, there was something she couldn't digest, worse than a disgusting tasting cake...her son had changed because of you and that was certainly not good.

Anyway, she knew what to do to make things right.

《...I THINK WHAT I'M ABOUT TO SAY WILL CATCH EVERYONE'S INTEREST. IMPEL DOWN, THE WORLD GOVERNMENT'S MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON, HAS BEEN ATTACKED BY A GROUP OF UNKNOWN PIRATES!》And she added《THEY FINALLY GOT WHAT THEY DESERVED FOR A LONG TIME, MAMAMAMAMA!!!》

The others weren't expecting such news and were obviously surprised at the content, but there were also those who didn't really care, like Perospero, Oven or Daifuku...but what Big Mom noticed was your anxious expression.

《But Impel Down is an impenetrable and indestructible fortress... it's not possible the prisoners came out of there alive...》  Suddenly, Smoothie spoke to her mother to confirm her theory, but Big Mom gave her no such satisfaction.

《MMM I GOT RUMORS ABOUT IT, AND YES, ALL THE PRISONERS MANAGED TO GET OUT!!》  The giantess clarified as if there were no other alternatives.

Katakuri looked at his mother seriously because she knew very well who was imprisoned there...the Impel Down affair wasn't only out of place, it shouldn't have been discussed in your presence; but unfortunately, the damage was done and your body began to falter at the thought that Donquixote Doflamingo had managed to escape.
Despite that, you could keep your balance before anyone noticed.

《Mama, why you did that...》  Katakuri used the Observation Haki to anticipate his mother's words, but it didn't help as he didn't stop her.

He didn't reply to her absurd answer.

《OF COURSE, BECAUSE IT'S A FUNNY STORY TO TELL, MAMAMAMA!》

- - -

If you weren't there, you would have been lying on your comfortable bed, tasting a pleasant herbal tea and waiting for your husband, to warm you under the covers...now, you had to get out of there before you started feeling really bad.

Your mind was like a raging sea. Too many things had happened that day and you expected anything but the escape of your hated uncle! All of this was really absurd to believe, but if you would have thought again you would certainly have gone mad.

Your footsteps were quiet enough to allow you to walk out without being seen, although it was just an impression...of course, Katakuri was already behind you and even if you wanted to ignore him, you stopped anyway.

《Why did you let her talk like that? It was clear that was addressed to me. You could have stopped her...》  You didn't turn towards him while keeping your head down.

Katakuri agreed with you and didn't understand why the mother had talked about Impel Down when that meeting was for something else; he tried to get close to you and didn't want to let the news upset you so much, but you stepped into that large area headed for the stairs and, finally, to your bedroom. You had enough of everything and just wanted to sleep.

Well, that was your intention; suddenly, you no longer felt the floor under your feet as Katakuri quickly lifted you off the ground.

《Oy, put me down!》  You yelled when he held you above your waist and on your thighs to let your belly free from any tightening.

Katakuri didn't move an inch. And there were about thirty long and tiring steps ahead of you to reach the upper floor.

《Uhm, while you're at it, you could take me to my room...》  You asked in a low voice.

Then, Katakuri walked up the stairs staring at you intensely and that did nothing but increase the tension.
However, once he reached your door he walked past it, headed for his bedroom.

《I-I prefer mine.》  You felt that if you had been with him that night, you wouldn't have slept so easily.

《You better not be alone, especially at this hour and I wouldn't let anyone else do that.》  Katakuri helped himself with the mochi to lower the handle.

You watched carefully even when he closed the door behind you.

《Mpf, don't worry, I won't do anything else that will make you angry again, even though you are very pretty.》  He added with a smirk.

At those words, you immediately blushed.

《...thanks, your mother is already enough for today.》  You muttered trying to divert your gaze, but he made you lift your chin and look him in the eye.

《I'll discuss this with her openly. I don't want you to be forced to attend her meetings, especially now.》  He said sincerely, but you didn't want this. You didn't want Katakuri to fight with his mother because of you.

《It's not needed or you could risk losing your–》  But you stopped when you realized you had said too much.

The crimson giant raised an eyebrow waiting for you to finish your sentence. You sat on the big bed with your hands above your knees.

《I know about your promotion, Katakuri. If there's a chance that you are the next king of Tottoland, you absolutely mustn't lose it because of my stubbornness...》

You were sure he would scold you for revealing something secret like that, but nothing happened...on the contrary, Katakuri knelt in front of you with a relaxed expression.

《I see, but you are more important than anything else.》  He brushed a few blond tufts from your rosy face.

Despite his lovely words, your mind was so confused...something had begun to upset you and, after a long time, you thought of Doflamingo. Had he really escaped from prison?

Of course, Katakuri noticed that you were thoughtful and that you weren't really looking at him.

《You don't have to think about it in the slightest, Y/n.》  He realized what your problem was and tried to calm you down by placing his lips on your forehead to kiss it.

Your eyes became bright.
《I know but...I can't help thinking about it...》

Katakuri gently wrapped you in his arms and blinked when he felt your skin had turned cold, even though it was no longer winter outside.

《I'll take you to your room. You will be tired.》  He said breaking the silence, but you held his scarf in your hands.

《Can I stay here tonight?》  You asked with the sweetest eyes in the world, but also the most frightened.

《Mpf, sure.》  Katakuri whispered beside your face as he placed the hands on your delicate lines.

Yes, because in Big Mom's palace you and Katakuri didn't have the same bedroom, but it was obvious that it couldn't always be like that.

《You can do that every night, my dear.》

This time, he moved to your lips and you did nothing but return that longing kiss of his, before both of you lay down on the bed.

- - -

The following days weren't easy.  Although there was still a month to go before giving birth, you didn't think you would feel the first contractions soon.
At any time of day, you were forced to endure that quick pain writhing the body; in addition, the belly kept growing and you were afraid that you couldn't even take a step alone.

Unfortunately, Katakuri wasn't always with you and when he was, he suddenly had to leave to take care of some matter. And you tried to stop him every time that happened.

《Please come back right away.》

You said that very often. Katakuri always stole a kiss from you and make sure his sisters were around before leaving. He had to admit the situation was frustrating for him too and he couldn't bear to see you in so much pain.
Every second, he tried to see when the time would come, but there was no point in predicting something that was unpredictable to anyone, including you.

You felt the baby was moving more and more, as if he wanted to get out immediately. Beside you, there was the excited but often worried face of Brûlée; she feared the baby would be too big for you and that pain was probably caused by his size.

The tension didn't stop growing and that certainly wouldn't do you much good. Fortunately, the Big Mom's palace wasn't boring at all, but your greatest misfortune was meeting her in one afternoon.

She gave you a satisfied look when saw you.
《MMM, I SEE YOUR PREGNANCY IS GOING WELL, MAKE SURE YOU ARE GETTING LOTS OF SUGAR, MAMAMAMA!!》

Well, Linlin wasn't the right person to ask for food advice, but it was true that sweets could help you regain energy, without overdoing it; anyway, although she was a large woman, you couldn't believe she managed to give birth to eighty-five children...

《HAVE YOU ALREADY DECIDED ON THE NAME??》  She asked you interested.

You weren't comfortable talking to her.
《Katakuri chose them, both for the male and for the female.》

The giantess seemed pleased to hear that her son had done everything.

《OH, I REALLY HOPE IT'S NOT THE LAST ONE THEN...》  Linlin concluded by saying that with a long mischievous laugh. It was terribly unbearable.

You stayed with a smile, although you wanted to leave instantly...she couldn't expect you to churn out babies like she did!

She let you go when they warned her the merienda was ready; in her case, it could be just a stretch of sweet dishes that just looking at them made you sick to your stomach.

She didn't ask you to accompany her, fortunately...you didn't want to suffer any other pain.

- - -

《Wait Y/n, let me help you!》

Pudding made herself available to help you get up; it was four in the afternoon and you two were chatting in your sister-in-law's room...unlike yours, hers was overly colorful and very bright. Well, you were about to put on sunglasses for real.

《I know, nii-san has always been a very busy man, but why does he have to do it right now ?? Damn, these men are so useless!!》  Pudding yelled after she helped you stand up.

You smiled to see her chubby face turn red when she complained; however, you sighed.

《I can't do anything about it, Pudding. Besides, it's not always like that and when he is with me he always takes care of me.》

The brunette girl rolled her eyes, it was obvious you were talking like that because you loved him.

《Yes yes, I know that, but you can't always justify him...》  She couldn't get you to change your mind.

《Anyway, do you want to go out for a walk?》  You asked as you stroked your belly tenderly.

But Pudding looked at you puzzled.
《...are you sure? Don't you feel, uhm, heavy now?》

Of course, you couldn't say you were like a feather, but the pains had subsided and you wanted to take advantage of it.

《Nah, let's go.》

But you underestimated it and when you took a step towards the door, you suddenly stopped. You felt nothing but a strange sensation.

Then, the first drops fell.

《Oh no. Just now?!》  You thought with wide eyes. If you had held back, it would have been worse; you could no longer stand up and knelt painfully on the floor.

《W-w-we need to go to the doctor right away!!》  Pudding screamed nervously and rushed out, but found you couldn't follow her.

《I-I'm going to look for him so don't move from there!》  She helped you lie down on the bed without worrying about her beautiful blankets.

You didn't want to be alone, not at a time like that, but you had to grit the teeth and endure until someone came back.

You started sweating and breathing heavily. Why wasn't Katakuri there with you? He should have known it would soon happen so why hadn't he run to you? That was what you thought, but not the baby and couldn't wait much longer...soon, he would be born and if Katakuri wasn't there for that, you would never forgive him.

The doctor arrived a few minutes later with a couple of nurses, ready to help you with the birth.

But no trace of your husband.

《It is the moment, Miss Charlotte. We cannot wait anymore.》  The doctor warned you, then put the surgical mask on his face.

As you struggled with your only strength to give birth to your firstborn, you didn't know what was going on outside that room; unexpectedly, Big Mom had decided that Katakuri would assume the title of emperor very soon...
The news made Katakuri himself shake, aware of what you were going through and he would have to drop everything else and go immediately to you, but his mother's presence would have prevented him.

Whole Cake Island was fully engaged to making preparations for that event, including celebrating Katakuri's child, and as a result Tottoland seemed to be careless about safety.

That day, the weather was surprisingly sunny, but in some areas the clouds seemed so thick that you could touch them. Or cross them.

- - -

The nurse wiped the sweat from the doctor's forehead, forced to change repeatedly the towels he had carefully placed under you.

《Keep pushing, miss!》

You no longer paid attention to his voice; you did exactly as he said, with your mouth closed, but it was difficult to hold back little screams.
Your hand was desperately squeezing that of Brûlée, the only one of the family who had remained with you, while Pudding had gone to secretly seek Katakuri.

《I-I can see the head, doctor!》  A young nurse exclaimed; you were baffled to hear that as you thought you were trying hard enough.

But the doctor didn't answer, he was too focused on helping the baby out. He didn't want to worry you, but if things went on like this, the little one wouldn't be able to survive.

Brûlée was worried and wanted to help you, but she didn't know what to do.

《Where the hell are you, onii-chan...》  She thought as she stroked your hand, even if her older brother should have been in her place.

You were exhausted and it hurt more and more inside of you, until something broke for real making you suddenly scream loudly.

You heard others calling you by name repeatedly, along with a little cry, before closing your eyes.

- - -

The room was like a horror scene. While the doctor was busy swaddling the baby, the two nurses hurried to clean you up and get rid of the blankets and dirty clothes.
Your breathing was regular, but you were still asleep; in the meantime, they helped you move from Pudding's room to yours, where they would later take the baby too.

Brûlée was the first to see that little bundle with spiky crimson hair and when she burst into tears for happiness she made the baby cry too.

《H-he looks a lot like him!!》

Yes, because you gave birth to a boy and when he was placed next to his mother, he immediately stopped crying. It wasn't long before he closed the big eyes to fall asleep.

The tall woman watched over you and the baby until the door behind her was swung open. She was on the verge of complaining about that rude gesture, but had to stop when she saw Katakuri.

《O-onii-chan...》  She got up abruptly to join him《Why did you take all this time?!? How could you not be here in such an important moment?!》

Katakuri said nothing and let his sister catch her breath. She was right, after all.

《How is she now...》  He asked, but didn't want to hear arguments, not after he had to endure those useless ones of Big Mom; right now, he could kill someone instantly, aside from Brûlée of course.

Anyway, the woman had to force herself to answer, especially when he noticed your condition.

《She is sleeping now. She had a hemorrhage during the birth, but the doctor said it was nothing to worry about. Your son is here too.》

Katakuri approached with a few steps to the bed on which you were lying; compared to the last time he saw you, you wore a pink nightie now.
Then, he noticed something tiny moving next to you...he couldn't believe his son could be so small.

However, he didn't go over to get a better look and Brûlée stared at him in confusion.

《I'll wait for my wife to wake up. Y/n should be the first to see him.》

Brûlée sighed and left him alone. The crimson giant positioned himself next to your left side and gently stroked you; your skin was hot and he could still see your red eyes and cheeks.

He didn't sleep that night to stay next to you and the baby; then, he held your hand tight inside his big palm and couldn't help but kiss it all the time. He wouldn't allow himself to leave you again.

- - -

The next morning, Katakuri grumbled when realized he had fallen asleep for a few hours and found out the baby was awake too.

He walked over to your face to call you, but saw the skin under your eyes was wet.

《Forgive me Y/n.》  He whispered kissing you. It was his fault that you cried while you slept.

But it was his  fault that you had suffered; the baby looked healthy and ready to receive all the attention in the world, except those of you, his mother...he knew it would be a mistake, Katakuri thought, as he rubbed his temple.

But soon his thoughts were interrupted by the knock on the door.

《It's me Katakuri.》  There, Oven showed himself; immediately, he noticed the atmosphere was heavy inside the room and didn't expect to see his older brother in that state.

《She woke up?》  He asked referring to you and the silence gave him the answer.

《Why are you here.》  Katakuri looked like a beast. He didn't like his brother's visit and threw a dangerous look from his red eyes.

Oven regretted entering that room.
《Don't kill me, but Mama is waiting for you again. She wants to talk about "that thing".》

《Tell her I don't have time for this. I need to be close to my wife now.》

Katakuri tried to compose himself in front of the younger twin, even though Oven didn't care about that; it had been a long time since he had seen him so dejected and the first time had been after the Brûlée accident many years ago, when they were just children.

《I understand what you are saying, but you also know how crazy Mama can be...》  In fact, what if Big Mom had hurt you just because her favorite son didn't obey her??

Linlin wouldn't have bothered to kill her own children if things didn't go her way and she wouldn't have spared herself with you, even if you were Katakuri's wife. Eventually, he decided to go.

《Don't worry brother, I'll stay behind the door if your wife needs anything.》  Oven added with a slight smile. Katakuri said nothing and walked out of your bedroom, hoping to be back soon.

Oven kept his word and waited for his brother to return. For a moment, he turned to the door where there was no sound and sighed heavily.

《You'll get us all killed if you don't wake up, sweetie...》

- - -

You were having a beautiful dream. You dreamed that you were in your old house, the same one with which you had lived with your mother and saw a young woman, very similar to you, holding a baby in her arms, who looked nothing like you.

As you stared at the little one, something brushed your skin, first on the hands, then on the cheeks and finally next to your lips.
Those sensations seemed real, but it was obvious that world wasn't...after all, you hadn't lived in that place for a long time now, even if you would never have forgotten it.

At that moment, some weak cries brought you back to your senses and slowly reopened your eyes.
It wasn't a dream, you really heard that cry and you immediately knew it was your baby, finally born.

Although they were close to you, he wasn't there beside you, on the bed.
Then, your gaze fell on the tall figure emerging in front of you, but you couldn't make out who it was because of the light coming in through the window.

As in your dream, that shadow was holding something tiny on its arms.

《Fufufufufu, what a cute baby we have here.》

Suddenly, your heart stopped beating when you heard those words and realized the identity of the stranger.

You sank into the worst of your nightmares...Doflamingo was back.